Text D Energy 11.2 Adaptations And Biomes Flashcards
(109 cards)
1
Q
What is an adaptation?
A
Any characteristic that enables an organism to better survive and reproduce in an environment.
2
Q
What are the three types of adaptations?
A
- Physiological adaptations (relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions)
- Structural adaptations
- Behavioural adaptations
3
Q
Define physiological adaptations.
A
Adaptations that occur primarily inside an organism.
Physiological is related to the function of body parts.
4
Q
Give an example of a physiological adaptation.
A
The physiological changes that occur when ground squirrels hibernate.
5
Q
What is a structural adaptation?
A
The physical features of an organism.
6
Q
Provide an example of a structural adaptation.
A
The fur of mammals insulates them from cold temperatures.
7
Q
Why do Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep have shorter legs?
A
Shorter legs help this mammal maintain its balance when walking on steep mountain slopes.
8
Q
What are behavioural adaptations?
A
The things organisms do to survive in some climates.
9
Q
What do garter snakes do in colder climates?
A
They migrate to their hibernation sites (hibernaculum) in the fall.
10
Q
What is the hibernaculum?
A
The site where garter snakes hibernate during the winter.
11
Q
How does the number of snakes in a hibernaculum change?
A
The number increases from southern to northern latitudes.
12
Q
What is a structural adaptation of the snowy owl?
A
Feathers with no pigment in winter, allowing better insulation against the cold.
13
Q
How do the feathers on the feet of snowy owls help them?
A
They reduce heat loss.
14
Q
What behavioral adaptation do desert lizards and snakes exhibit during the day?
A
They seek shade and cooler temperatures under rocks.
15
Q
When are desert lizards and snakes active?
A
At night when it is cooler.
16
Q
What is a structural adaptation of a cactus?
A
A thick, fleshy stem that helps it hold water.
17
Q
What prevents water from evaporating in a cactus?
A
The waxy texture of the stem.
18
Q
What are the spines of a cactus?
A
Modified leaves that reduce water loss and protect from herbivores.
19
Q
True or False: Humans have made behavioural adaptations that allow them to live anywhere on the planet.
A
True
20
Q
Identify one extreme environment where humans can live.
A
Deserts, mountain slopes, tundra, or Antarctica.
21
Q
Where is the tundra biome located?
A
Just south of the ice-covered polar seas and circumpolar in the northern hemisphere
22
Q
What are the characteristics of winters in the tundra biome?
A
Long and can last six to nine months
23
Q
What is the average annual precipitation in the tundra?
A
Less than 25 cm per year
24
Q
What is the winter temperature in the tundra?
A
Can drop to -40°C
25
What is permafrost?
Frozen soil that prevents deep-rooted plants from growing
26
How much of the soil thaws during the summer in the tundra?
Only the top few centimeters
27
What must plants do during the short summer growing season in the tundra?
Synthesize an entire year's food supply
28
Which types of plants dominate the tundra landscape?
Grasses and sedges
29
What is the level of photosynthetic activity in winter for tundra plants?
Minimal
30
Name three animals that inhabit the tundra biome.
* Lemmings
* Caribou
* Arctic fox
31
What types of insects are abundant in the tundra during spring and summer?
* Black flies
* Mosquitoes
32
What prevents water from draining away in the tundra?
Frozen soil
33
What happens to part of the tundra during summer due to frozen soil?
It becomes wet and marshy
34
What comparison can be made between tundra precipitation and desert precipitation?
Tundra has significantly more precipitation than a desert
35
Fill in the blank: The tundra biome is characterized by _____ winters and _____ summers.
long; short
36
True or False: The tundra has a high diversity of deep-rooted plants.
False
37
What is the average annual precipitation range in the taiga biome?
35-100 cm per year
## Footnote
Precipitation is mostly snow.
38
What percentage of Canada's total land area does the taiga occupy?
35 percent
## Footnote
It occupies 77 percent of Canada's total forested land.
39
Which coniferous trees dominate the plant community of the taiga?
Fir and pine
## Footnote
These trees are adapted to cold climates.
40
What are some mammal populations found in the taiga?
* Moose
* Black bears
* Lynx
* Squirrels
* Wolves
## Footnote
These species are adapted to the taiga's environment.
41
Describe the winters in the taiga biome.
Winters are long and cold
## Footnote
The shade of coniferous trees prevents snow from melting.
42
What happens to the ground in the taiga during summer?
The ground thaws completely
## Footnote
This allows for the growth of vegetation.
43
What is a key reason fur traders were attracted to the taiga?
Abundant fur-bearing mammals
## Footnote
Species such as beavers, rabbits, and muskrats were plentiful.
44
What prevents sunlight from penetrating through the trees in the taiga?
The density of coniferous trees
## Footnote
This affects photosynthesis in the biome.
45
How do some animals survive the long winters in the taiga?
* Hibernating
* Migrating to warmer climates
## Footnote
These adaptations help them cope with food scarcity.
46
What is the latitude range where the taiga biome is typically found?
Between about 50°N and 60°N
## Footnote
It stretches across Canada, northern Europe, and Asia.
47
Fill in the blank: The taiga is known as Canada's largest _______.
[biome or environmental community].
48
Where are temperate deciduous forests found?
In both the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere at latitudes below 50° north or south
49
What are the typical seasonal characteristics of temperate regions?
Four distinct seasons each year
50
What is the range of precipitation in temperate deciduous forests?
75-150 cm, evenly distributed throughout the year
51
What is the temperature range in temperate deciduous forests?
From below freezing in winter to 30°C or more during the warmest days of summer
52
Are droughts common in temperate deciduous forests?
No, droughts are uncommon and not usually severe
53
What happens to snow in temperate deciduous forests during spring?
It melts rapidly and the ground thaws completely
54
What is the canopy in a temperate deciduous forest?
The upper layer of leaves formed by the tallest trees
55
What is found in the understorey of temperate deciduous forests?
Shorter plants that tolerate shade and organisms that depend on these plants
56
Describe the forest floor in temperate deciduous forests.
Dark and moist
57
Name some animals found in temperate deciduous forests.
* Deer
* Foxes
* Squirrels
* Mice
* Snakes
* Many bird and insect species
58
Why is the diversity of life greater in temperate deciduous forests compared to the tundra?
The mild climate and rich soil support a wider variety of organisms
59
What is a climatograph?
A graphical representation of climate data over a specific period
60
Fill in the blank: Temperate deciduous forests typically experience _______ precipitation throughout the year.
evenly distributed
61
True or False: The temperatures in temperate deciduous forests can exceed 30°C in summer.
True
62
What is the annual precipitation range for grassland biomes?
25 cm to 75 cm
## Footnote
This range indicates the limited moisture availability in grasslands.
63
Name a key characteristic of the grassland biome regarding seasons.
Usually has a prolonged dry season
## Footnote
This dry season is a defining feature that affects vegetation and animal life.
64
What prevents the development of forests in grassland biomes?
Lack of precipitation
## Footnote
Insufficient rainfall limits tree growth, allowing grasses to dominate.
65
What are the main producers in grassland biomes?
Grasses
## Footnote
While grasses are the primary producers, some trees may be found near water sources.
66
What type of soil is typically found in grassland biomes?
Rich and fertile
## Footnote
This fertility supports a variety of plant life, primarily grasses.
67
List some locations where grassland biomes are found.
* Prairies of North America
* Steppes of Asia
* Veldts of Africa
* Pampas of South America
## Footnote
These regions illustrate the global distribution of grasslands.
68
True or False: Grasslands can develop forests due to high precipitation.
False
## Footnote
The characteristic low precipitation in grasslands is insufficient for forest development.
69
What types of animals are commonly found in grassland biomes?
* Pronghorn
* Ground squirrels
* Pheasants
* Burrowing owls
## Footnote
These species are adapted to the grassland environment.
70
Fill in the blank: Grasslands are found on almost every _______.
continent
## Footnote
This widespread occurrence highlights the ecological significance of grasslands.
71
How does the climatograph of the grassland biome compare to that of the temperate deciduous forest biome?
Comparison required
## Footnote
This question prompts a deeper understanding of climatic differences between biomes.
72
Where are the world's major deserts located?
Between 15° and 35° latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres
## Footnote
This latitude range is critical for understanding global desert distribution.
73
What is the driest biome on Earth?
Desert
## Footnote
Deserts are characterized by extreme aridity.
74
How much precipitation do deserts receive annually?
Less than 25 cm
## Footnote
This low amount of precipitation significantly affects the ecosystem.
75
What is a key feature of desert soil?
Soil retains little or no moisture
## Footnote
This affects plant life and water availability.
76
Describe the nature of rainfall in deserts.
Infrequent rains tend to be heavy but brief
## Footnote
This contributes to the challenges of survival for desert organisms.
77
What is the rate of evaporation in deserts compared to precipitation?
The rate of evaporation exceeds precipitation
## Footnote
This results in a net loss of moisture.
78
Name some North American desert animals.
* Lizards
* Rattlesnakes
* Vultures
* Desert tortoise
* Coyotes
* Gila monsters
## Footnote
These animals have adapted to the harsh desert environment.
79
How do plants and animals in the desert adapt to their environment?
They adapt to hot, dry days and cold nights
## Footnote
Adaptations may include behavioral and physiological changes.
80
What percentage of Earth's total land surface do deserts cover?
About 15 percent
## Footnote
This translates to approximately 22,400,000 km².
81
Fill in the blank: Deserts receive less than _______ cm of precipitation annually.
25
## Footnote
This is a defining characteristic of desert biomes.
82
What is the significance of the temperature scale in climatographs of deserts?
It is different from the previous climatographs
## Footnote
This indicates variability in temperature representation across biomes.
83
True or False: Some deserts may not receive any rain for years.
True
## Footnote
This highlights extreme drought conditions in certain desert areas.
84
What is a characteristic of the climate in Manokwari, Indonesia?
Rain falls nearly every day
## Footnote
Manokwari is located at the equator, leading to consistent rainfall.
85
What is the difference between a rain forest and a cloud forest?
Rain forests have lush vegetation while cloud forests are typically cooler and shrouded in mist.
## Footnote
Cloud forests are often found at higher elevations compared to rain forests.
86
What type of rain forest exists in Canada?
Temperate rain forest
## Footnote
Temperate rain forests in Canada are primarily located on the Pacific coast.
87
What are two features of tropical rain forests?
* Rain falls nearly every day
* The temperatures vary little from month to month
88
What is a notable characteristic of the soil in tropical rain forests?
The soil is nutrient poor
## Footnote
This is due to heavy rains leaching nutrients and rapid decomposition.
89
How tall can the canopy of a tropical rain forest be?
30-50 m in height
90
How many species of trees can be found in a section of a tropical rain forest?
More than 700 species
91
How many species of flowering plants can be found in a tropical rain forest?
More than 1000 species
92
What percentage of sunlight that falls on the canopy reaches the forest floor?
About two percent
93
Name three types of animals that inhabit tropical rain forests.
* Monkeys
* Birds
* Snakes
94
True or False: Tropical rain forests support great diversity of species.
True
95
What is the temperature range for tropical rain forests?
Temperatures vary little from month to month, typically around 26-27°C
96
What is an open system?
An open system allows for the movement of matter and energy across the system's boundary.
## Footnote
Open systems are characterized by exchanges with their environment.
97
What is a closed system?
A closed system is one in which only energy can pass across the system's boundary.
## Footnote
Closed systems do not allow matter to enter or leave.
98
Is a biome an example of an open or closed system?
A biome is an example of an open system.
## Footnote
Biomes allow the movement of both matter and energy across their boundaries.
99
What kind of energy enters a grassland biome?
Incoming solar radiation.
## Footnote
Solar radiation is transformed into chemical energy by green plants through photosynthesis.
100
What happens to some outgoing energy from a grassland biome?
Some outgoing, long-wave radiation passes through the atmosphere and back into outer space.
## Footnote
This energy release is part of the energy balance within the biome.
101
Name one characteristic of a grassland biome.
It is characterized by different species of grasses and small shrubs.
## Footnote
These producers provide food and oxygen for other organisms.
102
Which animals are free to enter and leave the grassland biome?
Animals such as white-tailed deer.
## Footnote
This highlights the openness of the biome's system.
103
What can pass into and out of the grassland biome?
Air and water.
## Footnote
This exchange is essential for the biome's ecological processes.
104
What is an example of migrating animals in a grassland biome?
Migrating birds.
## Footnote
These animals can move between the grassland biome and other biomes, such as the tundra.
105
What do disturbances like fire do to a biome?
They release large quantities of matter and energy.
## Footnote
Disturbances are crucial for maintaining the dynamic nature of ecosystems.
106
What does the continual supply of energy from the Sun indicate about a biome?
It indicates that biomes are dynamic and continually changing.
## Footnote
The presence of energy flow is vital for sustaining life within the biome.
107
Fill in the blank: A biome receives a continual supply of energy from the _______.
Sun.
108
True or False: All organisms can pass freely across the boundaries of a biome.
False.
## Footnote
While some organisms can move freely, not all can.
109
What type of system can be compared to a biome?
Another open system.
## Footnote
This comparison helps to understand the dynamics of biomes.
